"There was a lot on my plate," he said. "There were things you can't control. And I try to control those kinds of things. But I put those things behind me and I tried to do the best I could and tried to fulfill and finish the season as strong as I could."

The 32-year-old outfielder became a free agent after the season and signed a $39 million, three-year contract with the Boston Red Sox, coming off a last-place finish at 69-93 last year for their most losses since 1965.

"People talk about the storied franchise, talk about the history behind that ballpark, when I was there doing that press conference, just started getting that adrenaline rush, started to really hit home that this is going to be called home for me the next three years," he said. "I'm excited. I'm going to go out there and give 100 percent, and I'm going to let the fans make the decision on falling in love or not."